INTERNATIONAL

Gakpo Injury Scare Dominates Liverpool's International Break Headlines

📅 September 30, 2026 · By Liberia Sports Live · AI-assisted match report · 👁 4

Injury blow: Gakpo out for several weeks

Liverpool have been dealt a painful blow during the international break after winger Cody Gakpo sustained an ankle injury playing for the Netherlands against Serbia. The Dutch forward was on the receiving end of a wild challenge from Serbia midfielder Sasa Lukic, which twisted his ankle badly and forced him off the pitch early. He tried to push through the pain before eventually giving in.

Reliable Dutch reporter Rik Elfrink broke the news that examinations carried out in Eindhoven confirmed Gakpo will be out for "several weeks." The Dutch FA has confirmed his early release from the national squad, with the 27-year-old now back in Liverpool for further scans this week to determine the exact severity of the damage. Reports suggest a grade one or two ankle sprain, meaning his recovery could last anywhere from two weeks to over a month.

This is a major concern for Reds boss Andoni Iraola. Gakpo had been in brilliant form this season — two goals and four assists in five Premier League starts. His injury, combined with Hugo Ekitike's long-term Achilles problem and Federico Chiesa's continued absence, leaves Liverpool's attacking line very thin. Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz, and teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha are expected to step up.

Isak also returns early — but less serious

Sweden striker Alexander Isak also cut short his international stay, returning to Merseyside with a minor knock. However, the club has indicated the issue is not as serious as Gakpo's, and there is hope he will be available for the October 11 Manchester City showdown at Anfield — a game Iraola's side simply cannot afford to be under-strength for.

Liverpool's September form in review

Despite the injury worries, Liverpool's form heading into the break was solid. The Reds won four of their five September fixtures across three competitions — beating Ipswich Town 2-0 away, defeating Atlético Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League opener at Anfield, hammering Tottenham 3-1 in the Carabao Cup, and edging Bournemouth 1-0 courtesy of an Alexander Isak strike. Their only dropped points came in a 0-0 home stalemate with Fulham in the Premier League. Head coach Andoni Iraola, in his debut season at Anfield after replacing Arne Slot, was also nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Month award for September — a reflection of the club's promising start.

Off the pitch: Julian Ward named sporting director

In a significant off-field development, Liverpool officially announced the appointment of Julian Ward as the club's new sporting director on September 26. Ward, who previously worked at Anfield before departing, returns to take charge of the club's transfer strategy and recruitment operations under Iraola.

Transfer talk

Kevin Schade (Brentford) — RUMOUR: Liverpool and Arsenal are reportedly leading the chase for Brentford winger Kevin Schade, a 24-year-old German international who has hit the ground running this season with three goals in seven games. Brentford have opened contract talks with him to fend off interest, but with just two years left on his deal, the situation bears watching ahead of January.

Ronald Araújo permanent deal — RUMOUR: Liverpool are said to be very impressed with Barcelona loanee Ronald Araújo, who has shown impressive versatility covering both centre-back and right-back. Spanish reports indicate the club could trigger their €55 million purchase option at the end of the loan, though new sporting director Julian Ward is said to have already begun assessing the decision carefully.

Trent Alexander-Arnold return — RUMOUR: In a story that will raise eyebrows across Liberia and beyond — the man who left Anfield as a free agent for Real Madrid may be considering a homecoming. According to TEAMtalk, Alexander-Arnold's representatives have made contact with Liverpool, with the player reportedly struggling for regular minutes in Madrid under José Mourinho. Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea are all said to be tracking the situation, though Alexander-Arnold himself is currently not ready to leave Spain. Any potential move is seen as a summer 2027 possibility at the earliest.

Sources

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